The Best Things To Do In Montauban, France

1. Explore the history, architecture and shops of Place Nationale

The Archeodeco Boutique, an art gallery, cafes, endless shops, a marketplace - the options of things to see and explore in the center of town are endless. Take a stroll or relax in the plaza with a cup of coffee, do some shopping or visit a gallery; it’s your choice! It’s a historic public square, so be sure to take in the unique architecture of the red brick and arched walkways; in history, tradesmen would often sell their goods here. I for one would probably spend at least a couple of days wandering around these streets. And as a bonus, a few blocks down you can walk across the Pont Vieux, the historic and beautiful Old Bridge that was built in the Middle Ages (completed in 1335).

Place Nationale

Address: Place Nationale, Montauban, France

Website: Place Nationale

2. Visit the Ingres Museum

This historic museum displays the paintings and sketches of French artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, as well as some works of another French artist, Emile-Antoine Bourdelle, a sculptor. The museum also houses archaeological pieces and other antiquities, as well as some contemporary art exhibits, and other old paintings. If you want to learn about the history of the building, they have a section on that, too. And, you can check out their website to view the collections online!

Musee Ingres

Address: 19 Rue de l'Hotel-de-Ville, Montauban, France

Website: Musee Ingres (in French)

3. Enjoy lunch at a French cafe

I’m pretty sure you can’t go anywhere in Montauban without passing by a cafe or restaurant - the streets are lined with them! Coffee shops, bakeries, places for lunch and dinner, bars, you name it. Just pick a place, sit inside or outside and enjoy the lovely atmosphere; I imagine it would be like something out of a movie. Near the Place Nationale alone there’s L'Agora, Le Maracana, Arcade Gourmande, Cafe Durand, and more, so imagine how much you’d have to choose from all over town!

Crumble Tea

Address: 25 Rue de la République, Montauban, France

Website: Crumble Tea (in French)

4. See a cathedral

The Montauban Cathedral and the L'Eglise Saint-Jacques de Montauban (the Church of St. James) are two popular sites for visitors to Montauban. Built in 1739, the Montauban Cathedral is full of history and remarkable architecture. It was built with stone by Francois d'Orbay and Robert de Cotte in order to contrast all the red brick of the town. Eglise Saint-Jacques de Montauban is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows, decor, and paintings, so if you visit here be sure to bring your camera! It was constructed in the 13th-century, so it’s the oldest cathedral in Montauban. Both these churches should be on your list if you love history or architecture (or both).

Montauban Cathedral

Address: 20 Rue des Soubirous Bas, 82000 Montauban, France

Website: Montauban Cathedral (in French)

Eglise Saint-Jacques de Montauban

Address: 62 Rue de la Republique, 82000 Montauban, France

Website: Eglise Saint-Jacques de Montauban (in French)

5. Visit Le Musee d'Histoire Naturelle Victor Brun

Le Musee d'Histoire Naturelle Victor Brun is a museum of natural history founded in 1854. Visitors should expect to see a substantial collection of naturalized birds from all over the world, various mammals and marine life, and reptiles in the exhibits. They also have a mineralogy exhibit and a Regional Paleontology collection that features some fossils. The bird collection is the biggest one, with 3,000 selections.

Le Musee d'Histoire Naturelle Victor Brun

Address: 2 Place Antoine Bourdelle, 82000 Montauban, France

Website: Le Musee d'Histoire Naturelle Victor Brun (in French)

6. Experience some authentic specialty shops

French food, wine, olive oil, etc. - you’re sure to find at least a few specialty shops. L'Olivaie is a gourmet grocery store that sells pasta and other dried goods, cookies, and more. You may also find French wines and sprits at Cave Bio Blanc Rouge, La Cave L, and Plaisirs du Vin, and a very nice selection of cheeses at L'Affine Bouche.

L'Affine Bouche

Address: 12 Rue du Greffe, 82000 Montauban, France

Website: L'Affine Bouche (in French)

7. Take a day trip to Bruniquel

About a half-hour’s drive from Montauban is Bruniquel, a quaint French village with beautiful stone buildings and lush green scenery. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, it’s located on a steep hill, surrounded by rivers, and fortified with defensive stone walls. Its medieval style is most definitely charming, and the cobblestone streets even more so. Not to mention the castles - you don’t have to be a history lover to want to check these out; there are two of them, with at least one dating back to the 12th-century (and built on the ruins of an even older castle). The other now houses some prehistoric artifacts, some of which are from nearby caves. Even if you go just to explore the streets, it will be worth it.

Bruniquel

Address: Bruniquel, France

Website: Bruniquel Official Site (in French)

In the countryside

If you’re looking to spend some time in the French countryside, look no further. Montauban has it all - history, scenery, shops, cafes, restaurants, and more. Whether you’re looking for something unique and interesting, or for some quiet time, you’re sure to find something here that suits you.